By Diane Blankenburg, Development Director For The Nevada Humane Society.

If you love dogs, chances are you might have come across a situation where you felt an animal was being neglected or treated unkindly. It is haunting to think of loving dogs who are living their lives at the end of a chain with no comfort or connection. Chained by the neck outside, they often live without love, exercise, social interaction and sometimes even basic nourishment. No matter what reason is given, the bottom line is that it is not humane to chain a dog for life.

Dogs are pack animals that thrive on companionship. Much like their wolf ancestors, dogs are very social. In fact, dogs are more social than humans and need to be part of a family whether it is canine or human. When you own a dog, you become the dog’s pack, and he wants to be with his pack. Forcing a dog to live chained up, alone outside with little or no human companionship, is one of the most psychological damaging things a person can do to a dog.

Domestic dogs are dependent upon man for their care, and it’s a responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly. But what we think we see or know is not always reality. If you see a chained dog or penned dog that you think might not be getting the appropriate attention, it’s important to first check out the situation to make sure you know the facts. With neighbors, it’s best to get to know them without being judgmental.

Even once you are convinced there is a problem, speaking gently to the caretakers of the dog, sharing your concerns and providing suggestions on ways they can improve life for their companion can be very effective in improving the quality of life for the dog. Offer information on why alternative living conditions are important to the welfare of the pet. You can even offer your own help in improving the dog’s situation in the current home. This might mean helping with repairing a hole in fencing, purchasing a large water bucket or walking the dog a few times a week.

When communicating with the dog’s owner, it is important that you come across as nonjudgmental. Frustration and emotions can run high when faced with someone who is not properly caring for his or her pet. However, criticism will not help the animal.

For instance, it is not helpful to say: “Your dog is miserable, and you’re not taking care of him. He needs…”

Try this approach instead: “I know you have a lot going on, and taking care of a dog is a big responsibility. If you would like, I could walk him a few days a week.”

If the owner mentions that they don’t care for the dog, you might want to offer to help find another home for the dog. Additional suggestions for talking to pet owners about their chained dogs can be found on the Web site Unchain Your Dog at www.unchainyourdog.org/Talking.htm.

It is often tempting to just go get the dog and deal with it on your own. Stealing an animal, no matter how bad the current situation, is an illegal and punishable offense. If you are prosecuted, the punishment could be severe, and the dog will end up no better off. Even if you are not caught, there is no way to prevent the owner from going out and picking up a puppy the next day. Legal authorities can only limit or control actions that are illegal. These are usually limited to not providing food, water or shelter for the animal. In some cases (especially if the dog has behavior problems that would make adoption unlikely), it might be best for the dog to stay in the current home and for you to try to improve the care the dog receives.

Some communities have passed ordinances that limit the amount of time a dog can be tethered or chained. Earlier this year, Nevada passed SB132, which makes it illegal to chain a dog around the clock and restricts conditions under which chaining is allowed.

Remember, the primary purpose is to help the welfare of the animal. Education and understanding will go a lot further than criticism and anger. And sometimes, improving the level of care in the current home is the best outcome for the animal. If you truly suspect abuse or a violation of the new law, you can contact your local animal services department.